BAJA GOLF

Traveling to Baja to go golfing is a great excuse to head south. Not that you really need an excuse to go to Baja, but the girlfriends and wives seem to like it better when you have a legitimate reason to slip across the border.

In the last few years Baja has added some truly great golf courses. Some of them are less than a hour's drive from the US/Mexico border, others are hiding 800 miles south at the tip of the Baja Peninsula in Los Cabos.

The golf courses near the border get busy on weekends and the hot tip is to sneak down mid week. At the Cape region of Baja the golf courses between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas seem to be busy all week long so planning ahead is important.

In nothern Baja the golf courses at Real del Mar and Baja Mar have lodging facilities on site. These are first rate hotels and good restaurants are also located just off the course. At the Cape most golf resorts are no more than a few minutes from the spectacular hotels and resorts of Los Cabos.

If you are looking for a golf course in Baja to brush up on your short or long game, without the pressures of another group behind you, consider the oceanfront play at Nopolo south of Loreto. This seaside town offers the conveneince of an international airport and several good lodging options.

The golf courses at Los Cabos are a dream come true. Great weather, manicured greens, oceanfront holes, and spectacular views from many holes. Most of these courses are new or almost new and cater to everyone from dufffers to golf professionals.

There is talk of a new golf course in the San Quintin area 4 hours south of the US border, complete with a new airport for a fly-in day of golf. Carlos Fiesta will keep you updated.

In short Baja offers everything a golfer could want. A good selection of courses, the flavor of a foreign country, and a choice of 19th holes unlike anywhere in the United States. Ole!

Telephone 011-52 (615) 5-0161.
Toll free (800) 225-2418.
U.S. (619) 299-1112.
Carretera Transpeninsular 77.5, Bajamar, Baja California, Mexico.
Number of holes: 27.
Rating: 73.5
Par 71 ~ 5972 yards on first 18 holes.
Champ: 6,968 / Men: 5,712 / Women: 4,696.
Carts available.
Putting area
/ pro shop / restaurant / 2 bars / hotel / golf packages.
The original 18 holes consists of the front nine "Vista" course (view), and the back nine "Lagos" course (lakes).
In 1997 the "Oceana" course opened (ocean), offering several spectacular holes right on the low bluffs above the Pacific Ocean! When the waves are crashing against the cliffs, the sea spray will refresh you on several of these holes!
Each of the nine holes has a restroom located about half way through, and courtesy carts cruise the course with snacks and drinks!
Golf cart key deposits run $5. The starter window is located on the left side of the club house, and most of the staff will do their best to keep you happy.

Golfing at Nopolo Resort just south of Loreto is probably the most laid back golfing in the
known Universe. Crowds are rare, although the word is gradually getting
out about this little slice of golf paradise. A golf course with this small
number of customers in the U.S. or Canada would go out of business quickly.
But the Mexican government keeps this puppy running just fine. Pack a cooler
full of drinks, and go hit the links!

For more information on golfing in paradise check out the BAJA GOLF section of Baja Motion Tours.

Are you addicted to golf? Golf nut and Loreto aficionado Jerome Green has the questions. Do you have the right answers? Check out WACKY GOLF for a fun getaway!

NOPOLO RESORT GOLF COURSE

Telephone 011-52 (613) 133-0554.
A mile or two south of Loreto International Airport.
18 holes / par 72 / 5400 yards / clubhouse / restaurant / bar lockers / carts.
A very fun course, rarely crowded.
Several hole right on the Sea of Cortez!
Mixing up a day of golf with a visit to the historic town of Loreto is a great "two-fer".
Carlos Fiesta's favorite place for breakfast in Loreto? Cafe Ole.